Meet-The-Board Party January 12, 2008

On Saturday January 12, 2008 the B.A.A. held their Meet-the-Board Party at the Barrister Gardens. As the members and their guests arrived the B.A.A. band, under the direction of Band Director Chris Migliori, played lovely music for all to enjoy. There were two tables set up with hors d'oevures for the people to nibble on while conversing with their friends and families. At approximately 7:10 p.m., President Arsene Van Vooren got everyone's attention and thanked the B.A.A. Band for their entertainment. He then asked for a moment of silence for all our deceased members.

President Van Vooren then proceeded to introduce his Executive Officers and the Board members. He also introduced Band Director Chris Migliori, our chaplain Farther Jim Commyn, B.A.C.C. President John Vanek, and Mr. Bob Hinson and his wife Nancy. Mr. Hinson is the Mayor of St. Clair Shores and a B.A.A. member. President Van Vooren then introduced his own wife, Pam.

Vice-President Dale Verhaeghe, who is Scholarship Chairman, proceeded to read a brief summary of the essays by each of this year's scholarship winners: Andrew Loosvelt and Rebecca DeGrez.

Andrew was asked to say a few words and stated that he will put the money to good use as he is studying to get a degree in Nursing. Andrew is the son of George and Sherry Loosvelt and grandson of George and Josie Loosvelt. Both his dad and grandpa are members of the Club. Dale then asked Tom DeGrez to accept the check for his daughter Rebecca who attends college in the Upper Peninsula and was unable to attend the ceremonies. Her father extended her thanks to the Club and assured us that the money will be spent wisely.

President Van Vooren announced that we had one 50-year member this year, Norman Houtekier, who joined the Club in 1957. Unfortunately, Norm was unable to attend.

President Van Vooren invited Recreation Chairman Leo Michaels to the podium to present last year's games winners, who were presented with cash instead of trophies.

The 2007 winners were:
Darts - Larry Allemon
31 - Scott Schumacher
Bien- Roland Deprez
Euchre - Henry Verlinden
Pinochle - Gary Huyghe

Congratulations to all the winners!

The Man-of-the-Year award was next and President Van Vooren asked Dr. Dan Elskens to make the presentation to his father Etienne Elskens. Dan enumerated all of his father's past responsibilities with the Club since he joined in 1972. He is also actively involved in the Genealogy Society. All in all, Etienne has devoted much time and effort to the Club and to the Belgian community. Congratulations, Etienne!

Larry Mahieu spoke of the upcoming Band Concert on April 12th at the Greek Cultural Center . Tickets cost $22 each and are now available from Larry or Oscar Vercruysse.

Father Jim Commyn was asked to lead us in prayer before a delicious sit-down dinner followed by a never-ending dessert table. After dessert the dance floor was quite crowded as the Jerry Archer Band played great music the rest of the evening.

The drawing was held at 10 p.m. and President Van Vooren was assisted by Jordan Loosvelt, son of George Jr. and Sherry. I think Jordan got tired of just sitting around! Thanks for your help Jordan ... we really appreciated it. Some of the drawing winners were: David Baier, Roland Deprez, Tom DeGrez, Cy DeWitte, Karen Verhaeghe, Larry Allemon, Don Putrycus, and Bob Putrycus. There were more winners but their names were smeared as a drink was spilled on my writing tablet. Sorry for that and congratulations to all of the evening's winners!


Bob Putrycus
Recording Secretary